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sights of athens
Big Bus Athens – Athens Open Tour
Big Bus Athens – Athens Open Tour
sights of athens
sights of athens
Quick Guide
Athens Hop‑On‑Hop‑Off Bus Tours
Athens has three hop-on-hop-off operators, and they’re all pretty different once you dig into the details.
Big Bus is your best bet if you want the most frequent service on the main Athens route. Their buses come every 20 minutes, which means less waiting around. They also offer a Night Tour with a live guide, plus their 72-hour pass includes all routes and the night experience. Choose Big Bus if you want flexibility and don’t mind paying a bit more.
City Sightseeing hits the sweet spot between coverage and operating hours. Their Athens route runs until 8pm (the latest of all three operators), and buses come every 15 minutes. They also throw in a free beer at Syntagma Square, which is a nice touch after a hot day of sightseeing. Go with City Sightseeing if you want longer operating hours and frequent departures.
Sights of Athens offers the best value for money. Their 48-hour pass costs just €15 for adults and includes all four routes, plus you get free WiFi on board. They have the most language options (16 languages) and the most routes (4 lines covering Athens, Piraeus, Glyfada, and Vouliagmeni). Pick Sights of Athens if budget is your priority and you want maximum coverage.
Tickets & Prices
All three operators offer multi-day passes that let you hop on and off as many times as you want. The main choice you’ll need to make is how long you want your pass to last.
Operator Comparison
| Feature | Big Bus Tours | City Sightseeing | Sights of Athens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Pick | |||
| Starting price (48h all routes) | €25 | €36 | €15 |
| Ticket options | 48h, 72h | 24h, 48h, 72h | 48h only |
| Number of routes | 3 routes | 3 routes | 4 routes |
| Audio languages | 14 languages (English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Ukrainian) | 13 languages (English, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish) | 16 languages (English, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish) |
| Family combo tickets | ✓ (2 adults + 3 children) | ||
| Night tour | ✓ (included in 72h or €21 standalone) | ||
| Operating hours (Athens route) | 8:40-16:00 | 8:30-20:00 | 8:30-18:00 |
| Athens route frequency | Every 20 min | Every 15 min | Every 15 min |
| Free WiFi | ✓ | ||
| Special perks | Live guide on night tour | Free beer at Stop A1 | Free WiFi, 4th route option |
Detailed Pricing Tables
| Ticket Type | Adult | Child (6-15y) | Family (2 adults + 3 children) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48h Athens Route Only | €21.00 | €9.00 | €62.00 |
| 48h All Routes (Athens, Piraeus, Riviera) Most Popular | €25.00 | €9.00 | €70.00 |
| 72h All Routes + Night Tour | €35.00 | €9.00 | €75.00 |
| Night Tour (Standalone) | €21.00 | €9.00 |
| Ticket Type | Adult | Child (6-11y) |
|---|---|---|
| 24h Athens Route Only Quick Visit | €20.00 | €8.00 |
| 48h Athens Route Only | €23.00 | €10.00 |
| 48h All Routes (Athens, Piraeus, Beach-Riviera) | €36.00 | €12.00 |
| 72h Athens Route Only | €35.00 | €12.00 |
| Ticket Type | Adult | Child (5-15y) |
|---|---|---|
| 48h All Routes (Athens, Piraeus, Glyfada, Vouliagmeni) Best Value | €15.00 | €6.00 |
Tips for Choosing Your Pass Duration
Go for 24 hours if you’re on a tight schedule and only want to hit the main Athens highlights. City Sightseeing is your only option here.
Choose 48 hours if you want time to explore Athens properly without rushing. This gives you two full days to see the city center, visit the port, and enjoy the beaches. Sights of Athens offers the best value at €15.
Pick 72 hours if you want to take your time and revisit your favorite spots. Big Bus is the only operator offering a 3-day pass, and it includes the Night Tour.
Consider the beach routes when planning your duration. The coastal routes take 2+ hours for a full loop, so you’ll want at least 48 hours if beaches are on your list.
Think about your arrival day. If you’re landing in the afternoon, a 48-hour pass gives you that evening plus two full days. A 24-hour pass might feel rushed.
Save with Combo Tickets
If you’re spending several days in Athens, the combo packages can save you time and money versus booking everything separately.
Watch the sunset at the Temple of Poseidon perched on a cliff above the Aegean Sea, then explore Athens for two days with the included 48-hour bus pass. The Cape Sounion trip includes pickup from central Athens and audio commentary in 6 languages. Just remember to buy your temple entrance ticket separately when you arrive.
Visit Hydra, Poros, and Aegina in one day, with a buffet lunch on board and live entertainment. You’ll get a City Sightseeing hop-on-hop-off pass to explore Athens before or after your cruise. The combo saves you up to 10% versus buying the cruise and bus pass separately.
FAQs about Ticketing
Where can I buy tickets?
The easiest way to book is right here on this page. Use the booking module to compare prices and availability across all operators. You’ll get instant confirmation and can show your mobile ticket when you board.
Booking online also means you can skip the ticket counter at busy stops like Syntagma Square. Just hop on and show your phone.
Do children get discounts?
Yes, all three operators offer child tickets at reduced prices. Big Bus and Sights of Athens give free entry to kids under 5, while City Sightseeing offers free tickets for children under 6. Child tickets (ages 5-15 or 6-15 depending on operator) cost between €6-€12.
Are combo tickets with attractions available?
Yes, there are combo tickets that bundle the hop-on-hop-off bus with other experiences. You can combine your bus pass with a Cape Sounion sunset tour or a full-day cruise to three Greek islands (Hydra, Poros, and Aegina). These combos save you money versus booking everything separately.
Can I use my mobile ticket or do I need to print it?
Mobile tickets work fine on all three operators. Just show the QR code on your phone when you board the bus.
Can I change or cancel my booking date?
Yes, all operators let you cancel or change your date for free if you do it at least 24 hours before your tour.
Route Maps & Stops
Athens has three hop-on-hop-off operators offering a total of 10 different routes that cover 42 stops across the city, port, and coastline.
Big Bus Tours Routes
Big Bus operates 3 routes with a total of 38 stops across Athens, Piraeus, and the Athenian Riviera.
Route Overview:
- Athens Red Route: 15 stops
- Piraeus Purple Route: 11 stops
- Riviera Green Route: 17 stops
The Athens and Riviera routes both start from Plaka, making it easy to switch between city sightseeing and beach hopping.
Athens Red Route – Big Bus Tours
- Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes (full loop)
- Frequency: Buses every 20 minutes
- Operating hours: First bus 8:40, last departure 16:00
- Main stop: Syntagma Square (Stop 1)
Stops:
- Stop 1: Syntagma Square
- Stop 2: Plaka & South Entrance Acropolis
- Stop 3: New Acropolis Museum
- Stop 4: Acropolis
- Stop 5: Temple of Zeus
- Stop 6: Parliament
- Stop 7: Benaki Museum
- Stop 8: Panathenaic Stadium
- Stop 9: National Library
- Stop 10: National Archaeological Museum
- Stop 11: Omonia Square
- Stop 12: Karaiskaki Square
- Stop 13: Monastiraki Square
- Stop 14: Kotzia Square
- Stop 15: Old Parliament
Route Highlights: The Red Route covers all the ancient heavy-hitters. You’ll see the Acropolis from multiple angles, pass the Temple of Zeus with its massive columns, and roll through Plaka’s narrow streets. The route also takes you to the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympics were held. If you only ride one route, make it this one.
Piraeus Purple Route – Big Bus Tours
- Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes (full loop)
- Frequency: Buses every 80 minutes
- Operating hours: First bus 12:30, last departure 16:30
- Main stop: Plaka & South Entrance Acropolis (Stop 2)
Stops:
- Stop 2: Plaka & South Entrance Acropolis
- Stop 16: Pantion
- Stop 17: Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center
- Stop 18: Municipal Theatre
- Stop 19: Cruise Terminal A
- Stop 20: Cruise Terminal B & C
- Stop 21: Pasalimani
- Stop 22: Mikrolimano
- Stop 23: Athens Marriott
- Stop 24: Intercontinental & Grand Hyatt
- Stop 5: Temple of Zeus
- Stop 6: Parliament
- Stop 1: Syntagma Square
Route Highlights: This route connects Athens to the cruise port in Piraeus. You’ll pass the stunning Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center, see the yacht-filled marinas at Pasalimani and Mikrolimano, and get dropped right at the cruise terminals. Perfect if you’re on a shore excursion or want to explore the port area.
Riviera Green Route – Big Bus Tours
- Duration: 2 hours (full loop)
- Frequency: Buses every 2 hours
- Operating hours: First bus 10:30, last departure 14:30
- Main stop: Plaka & South Entrance Acropolis (Stop 2)
Stops:
- Stop 2: Plaka & South Entrance Acropolis
- Stop 16: Pantion
- Stop 17: Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center
- Stop 25: Flisvos Marina
- Stop 26: Alimos Marina
- Stop 27: Ag.Kosmas Beach
- Stop 28: 3rd Glyfada Marina
- Stop 29: Divani Apollon
- Stop 30: Kavouri Beach
- Stop 31: Astir Beach
- Stop 32: Vouliagmeni Lake
- Stop 33: Voula Park
- Stop 34: Glyfada City Center
- Stop 35: Glyfada Beach
- Stop 36: Hellinikon Airport
- Stop 37: War Cemetery
- Stop 38: Edem
- Stop 23: Athens Marriott
- Stop 24: Intercontinental & Grand Hyatt
- Stop 5: Temple of Zeus
- Stop 6: Parliament
- Stop 1: Syntagma Square
Route Highlights: Escape the city heat and head for the coast. This route takes you along the Athenian Riviera with stops at beautiful beaches like Kavouri and Astir. Don’t miss Vouliagmeni Lake, a natural thermal spa with warm, healing waters. Glyfada is perfect for shopping and waterfront dining.
City Sightseeing Routes
City Sightseeing operates 3 routes with 42 stops covering Athens, Piraeus, and the Beach-Riviera.
Route Overview:
- Athens Route: 16 stops
- Piraeus Route: 12 stops
- Beach-Riviera Route: 22 stops
Download City Sightseeing Athens route map (PDF).
The Athens route starts at Syntagma Square, while the Piraeus and Beach routes connect at the Acropolis stop.
Athens Route – City Sightseeing
- Duration: 90 minutes (full loop)
- Frequency: Buses every 15 minutes
- Operating hours: 8:30-20:00 (last departure 18:30)
- Main stop: Syntagma Square (Stop 1A)
Stops:
- Stop 1A: Syntagma Square
- Stop 2A: Acropolis / Plaka
- Stop 3A: Acropolis Museum
- Stop 4A: The Acropolis & Parthenon (Interchange stop)
- Stop 5A: Temple of Zeus
- Stop 6A: Parliament / National Gardens
- Stop 7A: The Four Museums
- Stop 8A: The National Gallery
- Stop 9A: Ancient Olympic Stadium
- Stop 6B A: Parliament / National Gardens
- Stop 10A: National Library
- Stop 11A: National Archaeological Museum
- Stop 12A: Omonia Square
- Stop 13A: Karaiskaki Square
- Stop 14A: Monastiraki Square
- Stop 15A: Kotzia Square
Route Highlights: City Sightseeing’s Athens route covers the same major sites as Big Bus but runs later into the evening. You’ll hit the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, and Panathenaic Stadium, plus the National Gallery if you’re into art. The route loops through Monastiraki, which is great for souvenir shopping.
Piraeus Route – City Sightseeing
- Duration: 80 minutes (full loop)
- Frequency: Buses every 60 minutes
- Operating hours: 11:00-17:00
- Interchange stop: The Acropolis & Parthenon (Stop 4A)
Stops:
- Stop 1C: Pantion University
- Stop 2C: Niarchos Foundation
- Stop 3C: Municipal Theatre
- Stop 4: Cruise Terminals A & B
- Stop 5: Lions Gate
- Stop 6: Cruise Terminals A & B
- Stop 7C: Archaeological Museum of Piraeus
- Stop 8C: Votsalakia Beach
- Stop 9C: Mikrolimano Harbour
- Stop 10C: Planetarium – Marriott Hotel
- Stop 11C: Grand Hyatt & Intercontinental
- Stop 4A: The Acropolis & Parthenon (Interchange)
Route Highlights: Connect from Athens to Piraeus port and explore this busy harbor town. Hop off at Votsalakia Beach for a quick swim, or check out the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus. The marina at Mikrolimano is packed with yachts and waterfront seafood restaurants.
Beach-Riviera Route – City Sightseeing
- Duration: 110 minutes (full loop)
- Frequency: Buses every 60 minutes
- Operating hours: 9:00-17:00
- Interchange stop: Acropolis / Plaka (Stop 2A)
Stops:
- Stop 2A: Acropolis / Plaka
- Stop 1C: Pantion University
- Stop 2C: Niarchos Foundation
- Stop 1B: Faliro /Flisvos
- Stop 2B: Edem
- Stop 3B: Agios Kosmas Beach
- Stop 4B: Bomo Palace
- Stop 5B: Glyfada Beach
- Stop 6B: Asteria Beach
- Stop 7B: Divani Apollon
- Stop 8B: Oceanis Beach / Astir Palace
- Stop 9B: Vouliagmeni Lake
- Stop 10B: Pigadakia
- Stop 11B: Blazer Suites
- Stop 12B: Glyfada Town
- Stop 13B: Golf
- Stop 14B: Agios Kosmas
- Stop 15B: Kalamaki
- Stop 16B: Poseidon Hotel
- Stop 10C: Planetarium – Marriott Hotel
- Stop 11C: Grand Hyatt & Intercontinental
- Stop 5A: Temple of Zeus
Route Highlights: City Sightseeing’s coastal route gives you more beach options than Big Bus. You’ll pass several swimming spots including Agios Kosmas, Glyfada, and Asteria beaches. Vouliagmeni Lake is a must-stop for its warm, mineral-rich waters.
Sights of Athens-Gray Line Routes
Sights of Athens operates 4 routes covering Athens, Piraeus, Glyfada, and Vouliagmeni. This is the most comprehensive network of the three operators.
Route Overview:
- Athens Orange Line: stops at major city attractions
- Piraeus Blue Line: stops at all cruise terminals
- Glyfada Yellow Line: coastal route
- Vouliagmeni Green Line: beach and thermal lake route
Download Sights of Athens route map & timetable (PDF).
The four-route system gives you the most flexibility to customize your Athens experience.
Athens Orange Line – Sights of Athens
- Frequency: Buses every 15 minutes
- Operating hours: 8:30-18:00
- Main stop: Old Parliament-Syntagma Square
Stops:
The Orange Line covers 15 stops including Syntagma Square, Acropolis, Plaka, Temple of Zeus, Parliament, Panathenaic Stadium, National Library, National Archaeological Museum, Omonia Square, Karaiskaki Square, Monastiraki, Thission, Hadrian’s Gate, Hellenic Parliament, and Ermou Street.
Route Highlights: The Athens route hits all the classics. You’ll see the Parthenon at the Acropolis, the massive Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Hellenic Parliament with its famous guards. The route takes you through Plaka’s traditional streets and past the stadium that hosted the first modern Olympics.
Piraeus Blue Line – Sights of Athens
- Frequency: Every 60 minutes (every 30 minutes on cruise days)
- Operating hours: 9:30-16:15
- Pickup available at all cruise terminals
Stops:
The Blue Line serves all Piraeus cruise terminals (A, B, and C) plus Lions Gate, Pasalimani Marina, Mikrolimano Harbour, Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, Municipal Theatre, Niarchos Foundation, and connects to the Acropolis.
Route Highlights: Perfect for cruise passengers. You can hop on right at your terminal and be at the Acropolis within 40 minutes. The route shows you both the working port side of Piraeus and its more scenic marinas filled with sailboats and fishing vessels.
Glyfada Yellow Line – Sights of Athens
- Frequency: Every 90 minutes
- Operating hours: 10:00-16:40
- Connects from Piraeus Blue Line at Planetarium stop
Stops:
The Yellow Line runs along the Athenian Riviera from the Niarchos Foundation through Marina Alimou, Flisvos Marina, Agios Kosmas, Glyfada Beach, Glyfada Town, and the shopping district.
Route Highlights: Watch Athens transform from ancient city to modern beach resort. This route takes you from the striking Niarchos Foundation through several marinas and beach areas. Glyfada is one of the most upscale suburbs with luxury shops, beach bars, and waterfront cafes.
Vouliagmeni Green Line – Sights of Athens
- Frequency: Every 90 minutes
- Operating hours: 10:00-16:40
- Connects from other routes
Stops:
The Green Line covers the Allied Forces Cemetery, Byzantine Museum, Kavouri Beach, Oceanis Beach, Astir Beach, Vouliagmeni Lake, the thermal spa, and the coastal promenade.
Route Highlights: More than just beaches, though those are stunning. The thermal spa at Vouliagmeni Lake is the star attraction here, with naturally warm waters that stay around 24°C year-round. Kavouri beach is one of Athens’ most popular swimming spots.
Which Operator Has the Best Routes?
For convenience: Sights of Athens wins with 4 routes and service every 15 minutes on the main Athens line. They also offer the most language options at 16.
For wide route coverage: Sights of Athens again, since they’re the only operator with separate Glyfada and Vouliagmeni routes. You get more granular control over where you go.
For frequent Athens service: It’s a tie between Big Bus (every 20 minutes) and City Sightseeing (every 15 minutes). Both are excellent if you’re mainly sticking to the city center.
For late-evening sightseeing: City Sightseeing runs until 8pm, two hours later than the others. Perfect if you want to see Athens lit up at sunset.
For cruise passengers: All three operators stop at Piraeus terminals, but Sights of Athens offers service every 30 minutes on cruise days, which is the most frequent.
What to See & Do
Here’s what you can expect when you hop on one of Athens’ double-decker buses.
Listen to Commentary in Your Language
Settle into your seat and grab the free earphones. The recorded commentary starts automatically as you roll through the city, giving you the backstory on everything you’re seeing.
Big Bus offers 14 languages, City Sightseeing has 13, and Sights of Athens leads with 16 languages. You’ll hear about ancient Greek mythology, Byzantine emperors, and modern Athens as the bus winds through different neighborhoods.
See Ancient Landmarks Across the City
From your top-deck seat, you’ll spot the Acropolis from practically everywhere in central Athens. The Parthenon sits on top like a crown, visible for miles.
You’ll pass the Temple of Olympian Zeus with its towering columns reaching 17 meters high. The Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics happened in 1896, still has its original marble seats. And you’ll roll right past the Hellenic Parliament where guards in traditional dress stand motionless.
Explore Traditional Neighborhoods
The buses take you through Plaka, Athens’ oldest neighborhood. You’ll see narrow cobbled lanes, neoclassical houses, and bougainvillea spilling over courtyard walls.
Monastiraki comes next, famous for its flea market and views of the Ancient Agora. The streets around here are packed with souvenir shops, street food vendors, and small cafes tucked into centuries-old buildings.
Visit the Coast and Beaches
Switch to one of the beach routes and Athens completely changes character. The Athenian Riviera stretches south along the coast with marinas, beach clubs, and swimming spots.
You can hop off at Glyfada for upscale shopping and waterfront dining, or head further to Vouliagmeni Lake. This natural thermal spa has warm, mineral-rich water year-round. Just bring your swimsuit.
Hop Off at Museums
The buses stop near all the major museums. The Acropolis Museum sits right at the base of the hill with incredible views up to the Parthenon. Inside, you’ll see original sculptures and artifacts from the ancient temples.
The National Archaeological Museum is packed with treasures, including gold masks from Mycenae and sculptures from every period of Greek history. If you’re into art, the National Gallery has Greek and European paintings.
Connect to the Cruise Port
All three operators run routes to Piraeus, Athens’ main port. If you’re arriving on a cruise ship, you can hop on right at the terminal and be at the Acropolis in under an hour.
The port area itself is worth exploring. Mikrolimano harbor is lined with seafood tavernas, and Pasalimani marina is full of expensive yachts. You’ll get a taste of working-port Athens, which feels totally different from the ancient city center.
Use It as Transport
The hop-on-hop-off buses aren’t just for sightseeing. They’re a legitimate way to get around Athens without dealing with taxis or confusing public transport.
Going from your hotel near Syntagma to the beach? Hop on and ride for two hours down to Vouliagmeni. Want to hit the National Archaeological Museum then grab lunch in Plaka? The buses connect the dots.
Take Photos from the Top Deck
The open-air upper deck gives you unobstructed 360-degree views. You’ll want your camera ready basically the entire time.
The best photo ops are at the Acropolis (obviously), Temple of Zeus, the stadium, and along the coastal routes where you can capture the blue Aegean Sea. Just watch out for low-hanging tree branches on some streets.
FAQs
Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all three operators have wheelchair-accessible buses with designated spaces. City Sightseeing specifically notes they have space for one wheelchair per bus.
The buses have low-floor access, so you don’t need to climb steep stairs to board. Just let the driver know you need the ramp when the bus arrives.
What happens if the bus is full when it arrives at my stop?
You’ll need to wait for the next bus. During peak tourist season (roughly May through September), the buses can fill up at popular stops like Syntagma Square and the Acropolis.
Big Bus runs every 20 minutes on the Athens route, City Sightseeing every 15 minutes, and Sights of Athens every 15 minutes. So you won’t be waiting too long. Get to major stops early in the morning if you want to guarantee a seat.
What happens in bad weather?
The buses run rain or shine. If it’s raining, you can sit on the covered lower deck where you’ll still have good views through the windows.